Recently, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation announced the upcoming launch of Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) 4.0, marking another milestone in the continuous journey of regional aviation development in India. Initiated in 2016, UDAN is an initiative under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It aims to make flying affordable for the common man, bridging the gap between smaller towns and cities by providing economically viable flights on local routes. The key objective of the scheme is to revive existing air-strips and provide connectivity to un-served and underserved airports across the nation, thus encouraging the growth of the regional aviation market. This anticipated launch of UDAN 4.0 underscores the government’s commitment towards enhancing aviation infrastructure and accessibility in the region.
UDAN 4.0 – Bolstering Regional Connectivity
UDAN 4.0 is set to prioritize air routes connecting Bilaspur and Ambikapur airports in Chhattisgarh. Under-served airports, that do not have more than one flight per day, along with unserved airports, currently having no operations, are expected to be significantly benefited from this initiative. The scheme has been made operational for a period of ten years, illustrating its long-term strategic importance in Indian aviation.
League of Evolutions: UDAN 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0
Since its inception, the UDAN scheme has seen multiple phases of enhancement and expansion. Each version paved the path for better connectivity and expanded market presence for regional airlines.
UDAN 1.0 saw five airline companies being awarded 128 flight routes to 70 airports, which included 36 newly operational airports. These new routes significantly enhanced the reach of air travel to smaller towns and cities.
UDAN 2.0, launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, announced connections to 73 underserved and unserved airports. This phase also included the connection of helipads under the scheme, marking a first for the Indian aviation industry.
In UDAN 3.0, several key features were introduced such as the inclusion of tourism routes in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and provisions for seaplanes to connect water aerodromes. It also brought numerous routes in the North-East Region under the ambit of UDAN.
Key Facts About UDAN Scheme
| UDAN Version | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| UDAN 1.0 | 128 flight routes to 70 airports awarded to 5 airlines companies |
| UDAN 2.0 | 73 underserved and unserved airports connected; first-time inclusion of helipads |
| UDAN 3.0 | Inclusion of tourism routes, seaplanes for water aerodromes, expanded coverage in the North-East Region |
Looking Forward: UDAN 4.0 and Beyond
The upcoming launch of UDAN 4.0 emphasises the repeating theme of constantly improving regional connectivity in India. By focusing on making flights more reachable and affordable for the common man, especially in small towns, the initiative encourages socio-economic development. With each phase, UDAN continues to significantly contribute to the tapestry of Indian aviation, promising a well-connected future for India’s air travel landscape.
